JUDGING CRITERIA

Winners will be judged according to the following criteria:

1. GROWTH

• Experienced outstanding sales, profit or revenue growth during the last two years, and uses sound financial management in their organization.
• Demonstrated a commitment to job creation and ongoing training of employees.
• Actively supports the development and growth of the Saint Paul/East Metro area community.
• Supports the growth and success of small businesses.

2. EXCELLENCE

• Demonstrates commitment to the community through corporate contributions and by encouraging their employees to give back to the community through volunteerism and providing them opportunities to do so.
• Provides for the human service needs of Saint Paul/East Metro area residents.
• Shows evidence of having a meaningful/tangible impact on people's lives and on the community.
• Provides family-oriented benefits - i.e., flexible work schedules, childcare options, employee assistance programs, etc.
• Demonstrates concern/commitment to employee families by offering family-oriented activities, i.e., picnics, holiday parties, etc.
• Has a record of excellence in different aspects of business through other awards that have been received or recognition in other areas.

3. RISK

• Demonstrates a willingness to take risks.
• Takes risks commensurate with the innovation's impacts.
• Implements a program of work that is challenging and manages change effectively.

4. DIVERSITY

• Has a diverse workforce.
• Created jobs for the minority population in the Saint Paul/East Metro area community.
• Demonstrated a commitment to on-the-job and ongoing training of their minority workforce.

5.  INNOVATION

• Successfully uses innovation in products, processes, services, technology, marketing, etc. to maintain success in its marketplace.
• Is a leader in introducing the innovation to the marketplace and receives peer recognition for the innovation.
• Evidences a continuing commitment to innovation.

*While nominees will be judged in all categories, they need not exhibit outstanding performance in every category to win.

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